Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' Pattern Silver Plate Round Serving Tray
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter) · Reed & Barton Silversmiths, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. One of America's oldest and most prestigious silversmithing firms, known for high-quality production of both sterling and fine silver plate.
Pattern: Winthrop pattern, #1209. This is a classic Neoclassical/Federal revival design featuring floral and scroll chasing. It is one of Reed & Barton's more traditional and enduring hollowware lines.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter)
Maker
Reed & Barton Silversmiths, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. One of America's oldest and most prestigious silversmithing firms, known for high-quality production of both sterling and fine silver plate.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The item lacks a 'Sterling' mark and features an alphanumeric catalog number (1209) typical of the manufacturer's plated lines. The base metal is likely a copper-nickel-zinc alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter approximately 12-14 inches (standard for a round serving or 'salver' size). Weight is estimated at 800-1100 grams; plated pieces are often heavier due to the density of the nickel-silver base metal.
Description
A refined and stately round serving tray from the famed Winthrop collection. This piece exemplifies mid-century American hospitality, featuring a lustrous silver surface and a delicate floral-scroll border. Its substantial weight and classic proportions make it a versatile staple for formal entertaining or as a vanity tray.
Key Features
The heart date symbol (1953), the 1209 catalog numbering, and the crispness of the border motif. The lack of copper 'bleeding' suggests a high-quality, thick electroplated layer.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The item lacks a 'Sterling' mark and features an alphanumeric catalog number (1209) typical of the manufacturer's plated lines. The base metal is likely a copper-nickel-zinc alloy.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the rim and borders with a brushed/satin finish on the central underside. The upper rim features a chased floral and foliate border in a traditional revival style. Surface shows engine-turned or machine-brushed characteristics on the base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside is stamped with: a Heart symbol (date mark for 1953), 'REED & BARTON', the design number '1209', and a small 'c' in a circle (likely a production or patent mark). Notably absent is the sterling mark, confirming it is silver plate.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and spun construction. The decorative border is likely applied or die-struck. The flat base shows machine-finished circular graining typical of mid-20th-century American hollowware production.
Functional Features
Flat serving surface with a raised decorative gallery edge to prevent items from sliding off. Designed to hold tea service components, appetizers, or as a decorative centerpiece.
Handle & Grip Details
This specific piece is a salver/tray without handles. It features a rolled reinforced rim for structural integrity and ease of lifting from the edge.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The chasing of the border is crisp and well-defined, and the mirror polish is superior to modern mass-market silver-colored imports.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Reed & Barton stamps in the correct font and layout. The Presence of the proprietary heart date mark and the 1209 model number matches historical manufacturer catalogs.
Origin & Manufacturing
Taunton, Massachusetts, USA. Manufactured in the Reed & Barton factory which utilized a blend of industrial mechanization and manual finishing.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Traditional/Federal Revival. While the design is Victorian/Edwardian in inspiration, this specific piece was produced during the post-WWII American silver boom.
Age Estimate
Dated specifically to 1953. This is verified by the small heart symbols used by Reed & Barton as secret date codes for their production years during the mid-20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard of 1950s suburban American status; such trays were popular wedding gifts and essential for the mid-century's 'cocktail hour' and formal dinner party culture.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent condition. The underside shows light surface micro-scratching constant with age. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) or significant dents. Mirror finish on the rim remains clear.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD. Factors include the maker's reputation and the fact that it is silver plate rather than solid sterling. Utility in modern home decor keeps demand stable.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a liquid silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream or Hagerty. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can strip the silver plating. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
International Silver 'Camille' pattern or Gorham 'Heritage' plated trays. These share similar floral borders but differ in the specific flower types and maker's marks.
Interesting Facts
The Winthrop pattern was often marketed as a high-end alternative for those who wanted the look of the 'Francis I' sterling line but in more attainable silver plate hollowware.